Skin reactions from targeted therapy deserve attention

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Skin reaction from targeted therapy: Caught early, many skin reactions can be treated so that you don’t have to stop targeted therapy.

Are you receiving targeted therapy to treat skin cancer — or any other cancer? If so, dermatologists recommend that you pay close attention to your skin.

Skin reactions are the most common side effect of targeted therapy.

What is targeted therapy, exactly?

When cancer spreads and becomes life threatening, drugs known as targeted therapies may be an option for some patients. Targeted therapy can stop cancer from growing and spreading — at least for a while.

Oncologists (cancer doctors) prescribe target therapy to treat some skin cancers. It may be prescribed to treat melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, when it spreads. Targeted therapy can also treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most-common skin cancer. It may be prescribed when BCC has spread and surgery or radiation treatments can no longer treat it.

Some patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), a rare type of skin cancer, also receive targeted therapy.

Targeted therapy can give cancer patients remissions that last for months — and sometimes years.

Skin reactions best caught early

Paying close attention to your skin will help you notice the first signs of a skin reaction.

Even if the reaction seems mild, it’s important to tell your dermatologist or oncologist about it. When caught early, most reactions can be managed.

Looking closely at your skin will also help you find a possible new skin cancer early. Although targeted therapies can treat advanced skin cancer, some can cause more skin cancers. Caught early, most skin cancers can be successfully treated.

Early treatment of a skin reaction can also help prevent a worsening reaction. If the skin reaction becomes too severe, a patient may have to stop targeted therapy.

What to look for when receiving targeted therapy for skin cancer

To give you an idea of what you may see, here’s a list of common skin reactions from the targeted therapies approved to treat skin cancer.

Dabrafenib (Tafinlar®) or vemurafenib (Zelboraf®) – Prescribed to treat advanced melanoma, the most common skin (and hair) reactions from these drugs are:

Blisters and thickening skin on the palms and soles, which can be painful

Swelling and pain beneath the skin

Hair loss

More serious skin reactions are:

A new skin cancer

New and changing moles, which can become melanoma

Trametinib (Mekinist®) – This may be prescribed to treat advanced melanoma. Common skin (and hair) reactions that occur while taking trametinib include:

Rashes, including a measles-like eruption on your skin

Itchy skin

Tender, painful, or burning skin

Extremely dry skin

Infection around a fingernail or toenail

Loss of hair color

Ipilimumab (Yervoy®), nivolumab (Opdivo®), or pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) – Patients with advanced melanoma may be prescribed one of these targeted therapies, which can cause the following skin reactions:

Rash (skin may itch, blister, or develop sores that bleed)

Extremely dry skin

Mouth sores

Itchy skin

Blisters, crusts, or redness on the skin

Thick, scaly skin

Vitiligo (loss of skin color)

Vitiligo on hands: Loss of skin color (vitiligo) while on a targeted therapy usually means treatment is working and you’ll have a good outcome.

Skin care may reduce risk of developing a skin reaction

The right skin care can reduce your risk of developing some skin reactions. If a skin reaction develops, good skin care may lessen your discomfort. That’s why dermatologists recommend the following skin care for patients on a targeted therapy:

Keep your skin care gentle and simple. Targeted therapy can make your skin especially sensitive.
When bathing and washing your hands, the following can help reduce irritated skin:

Wash with a fragrance-free cleanser made for sensitive skin, and avoid soaps and other skin care products with fragrance.

Moisturize after washing. Using a fragrance-free moisturizing cream can help reduce dry, irritated skin. For best results, applying the moisturizer within 5 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower or washing your hands.

Apply moisturizer (creamy and fragrance-free) throughout the day when your skin feels dry.

Avoid the sun. Just a few minutes in the sun can cause a serious burn while you’re on some targeted therapies. You can protect your skin when outdoors — even for a short time — by wearing:

Long sleeves and pants

A wide-brimmed hat

Sunglasses

Sunscreen (broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistant)

You want to apply the sunscreen to all skin that clothing won’t cover, such as your face, neck, ears, and hands. A separate lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and water resistance is best for your lips. You’ll want to apply sunscreen and lip balm thoroughly to give yourself good protection.

When taking vermurafenib, use UV-light blocking window films. Even sun coming in a window can cause a problem. You’ll want to apply these films to the windows on your car, home, and office.

If you develop peeling skin on your hands or feet, take precautions. This side effect can make walking difficult. Wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box can reduce the pressure and friction on your feet. When you have peeling on your hands, wearing padded gloves can help reduce discomfort.

At the first sign of a skin reaction, contact your doctor. Caught early, many of these reactions can be treated so that they don’t cause a serious problem.

A dermatologist can help you manage skin reactions

Because skin reactions are so common, some patients see a dermatologist before starting targeted therapy. It can be helpful to have a thorough skin exam and get skin care tips beforehand.

If you develop a skin reaction, it’s helpful to have a skin expert to contact for a diagnosis and treatment.

Images
Image of skin reaction: Used with permission of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;72(2):221-36.